A Wild New Tackle ‘Phantom of the Opera’ Is Coming, and No One Has Any Thought What It Is

For the previous few months, Phans (The Phantom of the Opera followers) have been following mysterious messages and clue drops round New York Metropolis for one thing referred to as Masquerade. Speak on-line abounded in regards to the roses left in Instances Sq. or the crimson envelope letters signed by “the Opera Ghost” for the trustworthy, as a viral marketing campaign teased that one thing was coming within the realm of immersive theater. As an enormous Phan and immersive theater nerd, I’ve waited from the far wings on the West Coast with main FOMO for extra information. And eventually, we all know who the minds are behind the teased venture primarily based on Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera. 

Masquerade has formally been confirmed as a spin-off immersive expertise impressed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera by Deadline. The commerce named Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Actual Girls Have Curves) as director, with Webber on board as a producer. It has not but been revealed if the immersive manufacturing will embrace musical performances or be an atmospheric walk-through very similar to NYC’s late nice Sleep No More.

The Phantom himself shared an announcement by means of Deadline: “I’ve secured an handle on 57th Avenue, a extra salubrious a part of city than my earlier, the place I’ve instructed the director Diane Paulus to organize my new imaginative and prescient of the legend,” it learn. “I’ve noticed that she has appreciable credentials within the fields of opera and musical theater. Underneath my steerage she has created, together with my minion Lloyd Webber, an occasion like no different with my characters performed by performers of outstanding skill.”

Fellow Phans can RSVP for extra information on the official site. Masquerade is slated to have a six-week preview run, with tickets happening sale Monday, June 30, for the present. The engagement dates have but to be introduced.

Described as a manufacturing that’s “to be positioned on a number of flooring” by Deadline, the expertise “is designed to simulate a masked ball with attendees shifting from room to room and flooring to flooring.” If a few of what TikTok has sleuthed is true, we could also be strolling by means of key moments from the musical’s ebook. The chances are making my creativeness run wild—there’s the cemetery, the Phantom’s lair, and, after all, the masquerade. We at the very least know the masquerade is the centerpiece of the manufacturing, as directions point out a strict gown code together with masks. On the official web site you can even see pertinent particulars from “O.G.,” who we will simply say is a superb celebration planner with a aptitude for the dramatic.

“1) Masquerade is a 21+ occasion. Nevertheless, in the course of the six-week preview interval, Saturday and Sunday Matinees will likely be 16+
2) The gown code is for the six-week preview interval
3) Masks WILL be offered to visitors freed from cost in the event that they arrive with out one. The complimentary masks are designed to be worn beneath glasses should you require them. Restricted version couture masks will likely be out there for buy as nicely.
4) Company can select both the glass of champagne OR a non-alcoholic glowing possibility on arrival
5) The expertise is ADA-accessible”

The small print of getting a masks on and it largely being a 21+ manufacturing are positively paying homage to Sleep No Extra’s hallmarks. So this could be Phantom in a method we’ve by no means seen. As a Common Monsters fan, the potential of horror tonally being concerned pleases me. A celebration of his return, homaging his complete legacy, could be a dream.

Now should you’ll excuse me, I have to learn the way to safe seats in Field Quantity 5.

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